A new set of construction regulations will from next month be implemented in nine localities classified as high development density areas for large projects, aiming to help lessen the visual and environmental impact of construction.

Annemarie Darmanin from the Management Efficiency Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister explained that the regulations were being introduced to reduce inconvenience for residents, reduce the environmental impact, such as dust, and to improve the visual impact of the construction site.

The regulations will be introduced in two phases. The first phase will be implemented on 1 November for nine localities that are classified as heavy development areas and for large projects.

The nine localities are Marsascala, Marsalforn, Mellieha, Sliema, St Julian’s, St Paul’s Bay, Swieqi, Valletta and Gzira – the last two localities were added after the consultation took place.

Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said that Valletta was included due to its historical and cultural heritage.

Ms Darmanin explained that the owner of the construction site will have to appoint a site manager who will have to ensure that the contractor observes the regulations.

Furthermore, she added, the owner will have to make a bank guarantee in favour of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) to ensure that any public property, such as pavements, that may be damaged will be repaired.

Mr Pullicino explained that if public property is damaged during construction but is repaired by the owner then the bank guarantee will be released.

“However, if the damage is not repaired then the owner will lose the bank guarantee,” he said.

Ms Darmanin also said that the notification put up outside construction sites for projects that will take over a month to complete will also be modified.

“The notification will now include the details and telephone numbers of the site manager, architect and contractors as well as a 24-hour emergency number,” she said.

As a result, she said, the public will be able to contact the site manager in case they have a complaint.

If the site manager does not take up the complaint, then the public can make a complaint directly to Mepa.

Stone-cutting can only take place, if in an enclosed area, in the lowest part of the building with all the apertures closed with an impermeable material and, if outside, in a temporary structure that has to be closed off with impermeable material.

Furthermore, added Ms Darmanin, stone-cutting will have to be done using machinery with a vacuum system.

Similarly stone-polishing can only take place outside using machinery with a vacuum system in an enclosed area. If it takes place inside then all the apertures have to be closed.

Sand and other construction material has to be transported, covered and stored in concealed containers, said Ms Darmanin.

Construction sites and the surrounding area have to be kept clean with all the rubbish stored in concealed containers and no oil, chemicals and paint can be left or dumped in public places.

The construction site has to be cleaned every day and if there are any spills or mess these have to be cleaned immediately, she said.

Furthermore, the wheels of any vehicles have to be washed clean before these leave the construction site.

Mr Pullicino pointed out that this measure was included in the permit for the Pender project and would be included in other large projects.

He said that, last year, over 60 per cent of approved applications were for redevelopment.

“A decision was taken in the 90s, when the structure plan was drawn up, to start developing vertically instead of building in green areas,” said Mr Pullicino.

Over the next two years, the regulations will be implemented in all localities – but it will be a gradual learning exercise for Mepa, he said.

The minister said he expected all works carried out by government departments and agencies to follow these regulations.

An information booklet will be distributed to all households and three information meetings will be held with contractors and developers to inform them about the changes.

“We expect a certain amount of self-regulation to take place. However, this is never enough because enforcement is needed for these to be followed,” said Mr Pullicino.

Fourteen re-trained former dockyard workers, headed by Mario Pandolfino, will form a team of enforcement officers ensuring that the regulations are implemented.

“I expect these officers to instil a new culture – they first have to teach contractors and builders about these regulations and not charge them immediately,” he said.

However, he added, if the contractor still breaches the new regulations then these will be charged before the local tribunal and can be fined for a number of contraventions carrying fines ranging between Lm100 and Lm5,000.

Mr Pullicino said it would not be an easy exercise but he was very hopeful that there would be a culture change once fines were imposed.

“One of the most successful measures we introduced this year was the imposition of fines for owners who did not build a wall closing off an open plot of land,” he said.

The law had been there for many years but it was only when a fine was imposed that people began to take notice, said Mr Pullicino.